“On that understanding, Mynheer, I will second you with all my power in the Assembly—you are going there at once?”
“In a while—I have to write to the Prince and Beverningh.”
He picked up his hat and turned to take his leave.
Gaspard Fagel could not fail to admire the patient energy, the proud calm, the unshaken patriotism of the man who was working in the face of such odds; in the face of an invasion of overwhelming strength, domestic dissension, calumny, abuse and dislike from the people he was labouring for with all his noble faculties.
Something generous in the Secretary’s commonplace mind was touched.
“You are an example to all of us,” he said, and held out his hand.
John de Witt responded instantly—
“Mynheer Fagel, I do my duty, and there are many, thank God, who do the same.”
They clasped hands warmly.
“I shall see you in the Assembly?”